urbanMSP

Just took a quick walk around the recently-opened Coldwater Springs at Minnehaha Park. Its a bit brown and desolate until the prairie grass comes in next spring, but otherwise its a relaxing stroll. The kids had fun climbing/hopping the rocks along the stream that the springs fed, and I liked the potential connections with the Fort Snelling trail. I also like the pieces of the Beauro of Mines that got left, adds a bit of a reminder to why/what this land came from recently. There is still work to do around the spring itself, restore the well structure, clean up the receiving pool, and improve the paths around it for walking/inspecting.

Finally getting some decent playground equipment. Does this count as "development"?

*Public Input Sought for Minnehaha Park Playgrounds*

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking input on concepts for the two Minnehaha Park playgrounds. A new survey to comment on the revised concepts began December 6 and will run for ten days. Concepts and survey are available online on the project page <http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=1258>.

For further information about the project, see the current news release <http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default ... d=1908>and visit the project page <http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default ... ID=1258>on the MPRB website.

http://www.startribune.com/officials-sa ... 377370881/

Officials: Historic bridge needs to be reopened for emergency access to Minneapolis vets home
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is asking the Legislature for $7.8 million to redesign and renovate the closed bridge from 1908.

I thought the bridge was closed due to the seemingly constant construction at the vets home. I guess its falling apart. I'd like something built in its place, even if it was just a pedestrian/bike bridge. But money.

I thought the bridge was closed due to the seemingly constant construction at the vets home. I guess its falling apart. I'd like something built in its place, even if it was just a pedestrian/bike bridge. But money.

Judging by the article a ped/bike only option wouldn't be pursued because of the importance of the emergency access for the Vet's Home. Wouldn't mind a compromise of ped/bike/bus/emergency vehicles only.

Will it certainly be a replacement? That bridge is really cool, especially from the creekbed below. The way it archs over the valley is quite epic.

There's a large crane at the bridge, been there for about a week now. Looking back at the Strib article from April 2016, looks like the plans were to restore the bridge. I hope that is still what's going to happen. I agree with nBode, it's a cool bridge.

According to the Bonding Bill, looks like it's just a repair:

MVH-Minneapolis Historic Truss Bridge Repairs: $7.851 million to repair the bridge that spans Minnehaha Creek and gives access to the campus at the Minnesota Veterans Home – Minneapolis.
https://mn.gov/mdva/news/legislative-up ... 066-299981